Carbon film coating structure for work and carbon film coating method for work

ABSTRACT

A carbon film coating structure and a method for coating that structure onto a work are provided, in which a carbon material such as a carbon nanotube is applied to a work for coating thereof with high density and high integration so that the coating has an outstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heat resistance, high strength and flexibility owing to the characteristics of carbon, and in which a carbon such as CNT is applied to the work for coating thereof easily and inexpensively, and with high density and high integration. A carbon material is coated or impregnated on a surface layer of a work. The work can deposit a suboxide or oxide containing metal ions. A porous primary film is formed on the surface layer of the work. The carbon film is coated or impregnated on an irregular part of the surface layer of the primary film.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 16/103,515,filed Aug. 14, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carbon film coating structure for awork and a carbon film coating method for a work, in which a carbonmaterial such as a carbon nanotube (hereinafter simply referred to as“CNT”) is applied to the work for coating thereof with high density andhigh integration so that it has an outstanding electrical conductivityand thermal conductivity, heat resistance, high strength and flexibilityowing to the characteristics of the carbon, and in which a carbon suchas CNT is applied to the work for coating thereof easily andinexpensively, and with high density and high integration.

Carbon nanotube has been drawing attention as a compound having not onlya high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, but alsooutstanding physical properties.

Since the development, however, CNT has hardly been used as a concreteproduct or a part until today, and development as a practicaltechnology, that can be utilized in various industrial fields, has beendesired.

Under the above-mentioned circumstance, the present inventor tackledwith various technical developments that make good use of thecharacteristics of CNT.

One example is a mixing method in which CNT is mixed to a paintingmaterial and ink. However, this method for mixing CNT to a paintingmaterial and ink had such a disadvantage that viscosity is increased,thereby decreasing the painting performance. Therefore, the limit ofpractical use was 5% for CNT to be mixed and thus, its use was limited.

In general, it has been considered that as long as the painting materialis dispersible, it would probably be industrialized and would also bespread easily. However, the dispersing technique of CNT was difficult toachieve. Particularly, there was a limit in uniformity and density ofCNT. Moreover, difficulty of optimization with polymer paint dependingon the type of carbon existed. Furthermore, difficulty in production andmaintenance of the paint was also very high. Those disadvantages made itdifficult for CNT to spread widely into the market.

Next example is the “co-precipitation method” using a plating technique.If CNT can be successfully dispersed in a plating solution andprecipitated therein, it should spread as industrial use.

However, the CNT co-precipitation method has such a low CNTprecipitation ratio as less than 1% and is far from the practical-usetechnology. Moreover, it had such additional inconveniences that thedispersing state of CNT in the plating solution is difficult tomaintain, the limit of the impregnating ratio of CNT in the depositingfilm is so low as approximately 15/1000, distribution on the depositingfilm is uneven, and management and maintenance of the composition of theplating solution are difficult, thereby preventing the spread of thisco-precipitation method as industrial use.

Another example is a “kneading method”, in which the CTN is mixed with arubber and the like. It was expected that CNT is added to rubber about10%, so that they are kneaded to a stable dispersing structure. However,it gave rise to such problems that reliability in quality of the productwas difficult to obtain due to difficulty in maintenance of thecharacteristics of the rubber, and it is difficult to optimize theconditions for characterization due to correlation between the CNTdispersing technique and impurities contained in the materials.Therefore, its spreading as industrial use was hindered.

Moreover, despite various efforts taken in a manner as mentioned above,CNT did not spread because various problems could not be solved such as:adhesion to the work (raw material) is poor and the dispersing state ofCNT is reduced in quality in a short time, thus making it unable tosolve the above-mentioned problems.

Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned techniques was a usage limitedto very narrow applications. In this usage, CNT was used for the purposeof improving the poor characteristics of the raw material. It was not ausage for effectively using the valuable characteristics inherent toCNT, such as high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and heatresistance as they are.

Thus, the present inventor thought up a novel method, which is entirelydifferent from any of the above-mentioned methods, by means ofeffectively combining his own techniques with CNT.

Specifically, the present inventor developed a film forming structure ona work, in which an impregnation layer formed by a thin primary film,which consists of a suboxide or oxide including a metal, is formed on asurface of the work, the primary film is formed to have a porous film,and the primary film is impregnated with a secondary film consisting ofany one of a polymeric material, an inorganic or organic paint, afunctional material or ceramics, and already proposed it in the form ofP2015-118459 (see, for example, JP-A-2017-1312).

Then, the present inventor worked out, based on the above-mentioned (orproposed) technique, a novel film formation, which is obtained bylaminating a CNT dispersing solution in multi-layers on the porousprimary layer in accordance with the dipping method or coating method,and when it is required to add more functions, a functional film islaminated to form a novel film.

At that time, it was presumed that fine grains or crystals of thesecondary film are disposed independently and with high density at anirregular part of the primary film, and a metal material and carbonmaterial are used as the functional material.

Therefore, when CNT is used as the carbon material, it becomes importanthow CNT is disposed with high density and high integration in order toform a dense carbon layer, and how to select CNT which is compatiblewith the primary film. Moreover, it also becomes important how to selectthe dispersing agent which is compatible with the selected CNT and howto select the content ratio, and how to design and manufacture theapparatus in an optimal state.

Conventionally, there is a known method for manufacturing a heatradiating plate as a method for forming a carbon material with highdensity and high integration, in which, for example, CNT is coated bydipping a heat radiating fin of the heat radiating plate in a bathcontaining a solvent with the CNT dispersed therein so as to adhere theCNT to the surface of the heat radiating fin, the resultant is heated toapproximately 80 to 95° C. and dried, and then, repeating the dippingand drying process (see, for example, JP-A-2007-19453).

However, the above-mentioned CNT coating method had such problems thatsince the surface of the heat radiating fin is smooth, the solvent withthe CNT dispersed is difficult to adhere to the surface of the heatradiating fin, its attachment is not uniformly made, thereby making itdifficult to obtain density, and CNT is difficult to be coateduniformly.

Also, there is another known method for manufacturing a hard activecarbon adhesive agent, in which, porous particles such as alumina areused as a basic body, and this basic body, as a flowing medium, is putinto various incinerators, and unburnt tar or unburnt hydrocarboncomponents generated during combustion of raw materials are captured inpores of the basic body due to capacity effect of the porous holes, andthen, the basic body is heated at a temperature of 500 to 1200° C. underno oxide atmosphere, so that the carbon is coated to the inner surfaceof each hole and the outer surface of the basic body (see, for example,JP-A-2005-213056).

However, the above-mentioned manufacturing method had such problems thatan expensive large equipment of the incinerator and no oxide atmosphereis required, and during the manufacturing process, the unburned tar andunburned hydrocarbon components are difficult to be captured in thepores and various cumbersome steps are required, thereby requiring muchtime and labor.

As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, there is a carboncoating porous body having a porous substrate which contains silicon andoxygen, or aluminum, silicone and oxygen, and a carbon film coating atleast a part of the inner surface of each pore of the porous substrate,the carbon film having nitrogen or boron as atoms constituting theskeleton of the hexagonal network structure and an amino group, asulfone group, or a carboxyl group as a functional group (see, forexample, JP-A-2014-111231).

However, the carbon coating porous member gives rise to such a problemthat since a part of the inner surface of the pore of the poroussubstrate is coated with the carbon film and the outer surface thereofis not covered therewith, sufficient characteristics owing to the carbonfilm cannot be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses such problems and aims to provide acarbon film coating structure for a work and a carbon film coatingmethod for a work, in which a carbon material such as a carbon nanotubeis applied to the work for coating thereof with high density and highintegration so that it has an outstanding electrical conductivity andthermal conductivity, heat resistance, high strength and flexibilityowing to the characteristics of the carbon, and in which a carbon suchas CNT is applied to the work for coating thereof easily andinexpensively, and with high density and high integration.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a carbon film coatingstructure for a work comprises a work having a surface layer on which acarbon film is formed or impregnated, wherein the work can deposit asuboxide or oxide containing metal ions, a porous primary film is formedon the surface layer of the work, and a carbon film is coated orimpregnated on an irregular part of the surface layer of the primaryfilm. Accordingly, by virtue of the porous part or irregular part of theprimary film, the carbon film is rigidly and densely coated orimpregnated. Moreover, owing to the characteristics of the carbon, anoutstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heatresistance, high strength and flexibility are uniformly obtained, andextensive use thereof is enhanced across various fields.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the carbon filmcontains a carbon nanotube with high density. Accordingly, the carbonfilm is formed on the surface of the work with high density and highintegration, so that the outstanding characteristics of the carbon canbe obtained.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the primary film iscoated or impregnated thereon with a single or plural layers of carbonfilm, so that dense and reliable characteristics of the carbon can beobtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, a basal part of thecarbon film is disposed at the irregular part of the primary film.Accordingly, the carbon film is embedded reliably so as to exhibit thefunction of an anchor component, thereby forming the carbon filmreliably and rigidly.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, a secondary filmcontaining a carbon nanotube is formed on the primary film, and thework, the primary film and the secondary film are integrated.Accordingly, the carbon nanotube or carbon is uniformly disposedthereon, so that the outstanding characteristics of the carbon areobtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the work comprises anyone of stainless steel, nickel, iron, copper, aluminum, brass, othermetals and alloys, synthetic resin, glass, ceramics, paper, fiber, andwood, which can deposit a suboxide or oxide containing metal ions, sothat it can be applied to various raw materials.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the secondary filmincludes any one of a polymer material, an inorganic or organic paintcoating, a functional material, or ceramics, which contains a carbonnanotube. Accordingly, the carbon nanotube is included in the variouskinds of materials, so that the range of the secondary film is expanded.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the carbon film iscoated or impregnated on the surface layer of the anodic oxide film ofthe work made from aluminum, and the carbon film is disposed at the holepart of the anodic oxide film. Accordingly, the anodic oxide film isgiven an outstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity,heat resistance, high strength and flexibility owing to thecharacteristics of the carbon. Moreover, a novel and outstandingfunction of the anodic oxide film can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the carbon film isdisposed at the hole part of the anodic oxide film in such a manner asto coat an inner surface thereof and the hole part is sealed with thecarbon film disposed therein. Accordingly, corrosion resistance of thehole part of the anodic oxide film can be obtained, and the same effectas in the case with the conventional hole sealing treatment can beobtained. Moreover, by using inexpensive equipment and simple work, theconventional hole sealing treatment can be substituted. In addition, italso enables coloring of the carbon film by black color.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, a carbon film coatingmethod for work comprises: coating or impregnating a carbon film on asurface layer part of a work, the work being capable of depositing asuboxide or oxide containing metal ions, coating a porous primary filmon the surface layer part of the work by electrochemical action orchemical reaction; and coating or impregnating a carbon film on anirregular part of the surface layer part of the primary film.Accordingly, by virtue of the porous part or irregular part of theprimary film, the carbon film is rigidly and densely coated orimpregnated. Moreover, owing to the characteristics of the carbon, anoutstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heatresistance, high strength and flexibility are obtained, and extensiveuse thereof is enhanced across various fields.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the carbon filmcontains a carbon nanotube with high density. Accordingly, the carbonfilm is formed on the surface part of the work with high density andhigh integration, so that the outstanding characteristics of the carboncan be obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, a single or plurallayers of carbon film is dipped, coated or absorbed to the primary filmso that the primary film is coated or impregnated. Accordingly, thedense and reliable characteristics of the carbon film can be obtained.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, a basal part of thecarbon film is embedded in the irregular part of the primary film.Accordingly, the carbon film is arranged reliably so as to exhibit thefunction of an anchor component, so that the carbon film is formedreliably and rigidly.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, a secondary filmcontaining the carbon nanotube is formed on the primary film, and thework, primary film and secondary film are integrated. Accordingly, theoutstanding characteristics of the carbon are obtained by uniformlydisposing the carbon nanotube or carbon thereon.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the work includesany one of stainless steel, nickel, iron, copper, aluminum, brass, othermetals and alloys, synthetic resin, glass, ceramics, paper, fiber, andwood, which can deposit a suboxide or oxide containing metal ions.Accordingly, it can be applied to various raw materials.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the secondary filmincludes any one of a polymer material, an inorganic or organic paintcoating, a functional material, or ceramics, which contains the carbonnanotube. Accordingly, the carbon nanotube is included in the variouskinds of materials, so that the range of the secondary film can beexpanded.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, a dispersingsolvent of the carbon nanotube is prepared by adjusting the carbonnanotube to a predetermined ratio with respect to a dispersing agent,and the dispersing solvent is coated or blown to the surface layer ofthe primary film or the primary film is dipped in the dispersingsolvent. Accordingly, the carbon film can be formed on the surface layerof the primary film by using a simple equipment and operation.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the carbon nanotubeand dispersing agent are adjusted to 1:1 to 1:4. Accordingly, thedilution ratio between the carbon nanotube and the dispersing agent canbe selected depending on working conditions.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the carbon film iscoated or impregnated on the surface layer of the anodic oxide film ofthe work which is made from aluminum, and the carbon film is arranged byallowing the dispersing solvent of the carbon nanotube to invade into ahole part of the anodic oxide film. Accordingly, the anodic oxide filmis given an outstanding electrical conductivity and thermalconductivity, heat resistance, high strength and flexibility owing tothe characteristics of the carbon. Moreover, it can be obtained such aneffect that a novel and outstanding function of the anodic oxide film.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the carbon film isarranged to the hole part of the anodic oxide film in such a manner asto cover the inner surface thereof, or the hole part is sealed with thecarbon film disposed at the inside thereof. Accordingly, corrosionresistance of the hole part of the anodic oxide film can be obtained,and the same effect as in the case with the conventional hole sealingtreatment can be obtained. Moreover, by using inexpensive equipment andsimple operation, the conventional hole sealing treatment can besubstituted. In addition, it realizes the coloring of the carbon film byblack color.

Effect of the Invention

According to the first aspect of the invention, a carbon film coatingstructure for a work comprises a work having a surface layer on which acarbon film is formed or impregnated, wherein the work can deposit asuboxide or oxide containing metal ions, a porous primary film is formedon the surface layer of the work, and a carbon film is coated orimpregnated on an irregular part of the surface layer of the primaryfilm. Accordingly, by virtue of the porous part or irregular part of theprimary film, the carbon film is rigidly and densely coated orimpregnated. Moreover, owing to the characteristics of the carbon, anoutstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heatresistance, high strength and flexibility are obtained, and extensiveuse thereof is enhanced across various fields.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the carbon filmcontains a carbon nanotube with high density. Accordingly, it can beobtained such an effect that the carbon film is formed on the surface ofthe work with high density and high integration, so that the outstandingcharacteristics of the carbon can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the primary film iscoated or impregnated thereon with a single or plural layers of carbonfilm. Accordingly, dense and reliable characteristics of the carbon canbe obtained.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, a basal part of thecarbon film is disposed at the irregular part of the primary film.Accordingly, the carbon film is embedded reliably so as to exhibit thefunction of an anchor component, so that the carbon film is formedreliably and rigidly.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, a secondary filmcontaining a carbon nanotube is formed on the primary film, and thework, the primary film and the secondary film are integrated.Accordingly, the outstanding characteristics of the carbon are obtainedby uniformly disposing the carbon nanotube or carbon thereon.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the work comprises anyone of stainless steel, nickel, iron, copper, aluminum, brass, othermetals and alloys, synthetic resin, glass, ceramics, paper, fiber, andwood, which can deposit a suboxide or oxide containing metal ions.Accordingly, it can be applied to various raw materials.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the secondary filmincludes any one of a polymer material, an inorganic or organic paintcoating, a functional material, or ceramics, which contains a carbonnanotube. Accordingly, the carbon nanotube is included in the variouskinds of materials, so that the range of the secondary film can beexpanded.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the carbon film iscoated or impregnated on the surface layer of the anodic oxide film ofthe work made from aluminum, and the carbon film is disposed at the holepart of the anodic oxide film. Accordingly, the anodic oxide film isgiven an outstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity,heat resistance, high strength and flexibility owing to thecharacteristics of the carbon. Moreover, it can be obtained such aneffect that a novel and outstanding function of the anodic oxide film.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the carbon film isdisposed at the hole part of the anodic oxide film in such a manner asto coat an inner surface thereof and the hole part is sealed with thecarbon film disposed therein.

Accordingly, corrosion resistance of the hole part of the anodic oxidefilm can be obtained, and the same effect as in the case with theconventional hole sealing treatment can be obtained. Moreover, by usinginexpensive equipment and simple work, the conventional hole sealingtreatment can be substituted. In addition, it realizes the coloring ofthe carbon film by black color.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, a carbon film coatingmethod for work comprises coating or impregnating a carbon film on asurface layer part of a work, the work being capable of depositing asuboxide or oxide containing metal ions, coating a porous primary filmon the surface layer part of the work by electrochemical action orchemical reaction; and coating or impregnating a carbon film on anirregular part of the surface layer part of the primary film.Accordingly, by virtue of the porous part or irregular part of theprimary film, the carbon film can be rigidly and densely coated orimpregnated. Moreover, owing to the characteristics of the carbon, anoutstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heatresistance, high strength and flexibility can be obtained, and extensiveuse thereof can be enhanced across various fields.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the carbon filmcontains a carbon nanotube with high density. Accordingly, the carbonfilm can be formed on the surface part of the work with high density andhigh integration, so that the outstanding characteristics of the carbonare obtained.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, a single or plurallayers of carbon film is dipped, coated or absorbed to the primary filmso that the primary film is coated or impregnated. Accordingly, thedense and reliable characteristics of the carbon film can be obtained.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, a basal part of thecarbon film is embedded in the irregular part of the primary film.Accordingly, the carbon film can be arranged reliably so as to exhibitthe function of an anchor component, so that the carbon film is formedreliably and rigidly.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, a secondary filmcontaining the carbon nanotube is formed on the primary film, and thework, primary film and secondary film are integrated. Accordingly, theoutstanding characteristics of the carbon can be obtained by uniformlydisposing the carbon nanotube or carbon thereon.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the work includesany one of stainless steel, nickel, iron, copper, aluminum, brass, othermetals and alloys, synthetic resin, glass, ceramics, paper, fiber, andwood, which can deposit a suboxide or oxide containing metal ions.Accordingly, it can be applied to various raw materials.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the secondary filmincludes any one of a polymer material, an inorganic or organic paintcoating, a functional material, or ceramics, which contains the carbonnanotube. Accordingly, the carbon nanotube is included in the variouskinds of materials, so that the range of the secondary film can beexpanded.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, a dispersingsolvent of the carbon nanotube is prepared by adjusting the carbonnanotube to a predetermined ratio with respect to a dispersing agent,and the dispersing solvent is coated or blown to the surface layer ofthe primary film or the primary film is dipped in the dispersingsolvent. Accordingly, the carbon film can be formed on the surface layerof the primary film by using a simple equipment and operation.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention, the carbon nanotubeand dispersing agent are adjusted to 1:1 to 1:4. Accordingly, thedilution ratio between the carbon nanotube and the dispersing agent canbe selected depending on working conditions.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, the carbon film iscoated or impregnated on the surface layer of the anodic oxide film ofthe work which is made from aluminum, and the carbon film is arranged byallowing the dispersing solvent of the carbon nanotube to invade into ahole part of the anodic oxide film. Accordingly, the anodic oxide filmcan be given an outstanding electrical conductivity and thermalconductivity, heat resistance, high strength and flexibility owing tothe characteristics of the carbon. Moreover, a novel and outstandingfunction of the anodic oxide film can be obtained.

According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the carbon film isarranged to the hole part of the anodic oxide film in such a manner asto cover the inner surface thereof, or the hole part is sealed with thecarbon film disposed at the inside thereof. Accordingly, corrosionresistance of the hole part of the anodic oxide film can be obtained,and the same effect as in the case with the conventional hole sealingtreatment can be obtained. Moreover, by using inexpensive equipment andsimple operation, the conventional hole sealing treatment can besubstituted. In addition, it can realize the coloring of the carbon filmby black color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a basic form of the presentinvention and showing a state in which a primary film is deposited on awork by an electrochemical device.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, animpregnating state when a suboxide as a primary film is deposited on asurface of the work.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are sectional views showing, in an enlarged scale,important parts of FIG. 2, wherein FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) show works havingdifferent surface states.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a secondary filmis sprayed to a primary film of the work according to a spraying methodemployed to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which thesecondary film is formed on the primary film after a suboxide as theprimary film is deposited on the work.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged scale, theimportant part of FIG. 5, in which the irregularities of the surface ofthe primary film function like a chopstick stand and a basal part of thesecondary film is embedded in the irregularities.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view schematically showing, in an enlarged scale,a state of the work which is bent after the secondary film is embedded

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing, in a more enlarged scale, thebent part of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, an overview ofa state of a film formation, which is a conventional secondary film

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the concept of a novel surfacetreatment process according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing, in an enlarged scale,the important part of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an SEM photograph showing, in an enlarged scale, a crystalstructure of the primary film according to the novel surface treatmentprocess, in which CNT is inserted among the crystals.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, a compositefilm of the primary film and CNT according to the novel surfacetreatment process.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged photograph of a distribution state of CNTaccording to the novel surface treatment process, in which a SEMphotograph showing a part of the foregoing is also shown in a moreenlarged scale.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a production state of the samplepiece used in the second embodiment of the present invention, in whichthe work with the primary film formed thereon is dipped in a dispersingsolvent containing CNT to produce a sample piece, and a central part anda distal end part thereof are cut out to obtain a sample piece.

FIGS. 16 (a) through 16 (d) is a photograph of SEM showing, in anenlarged scale, the first surface state according to the secondembodiment, in which the surface state and the dispersing state of CNTafter the sample A is dipped for a predetermined period of time in adispersing agent of CNT obtained by adjusting CNT and a dispersing agentto 1:1, are shown in an enlarged scale.

FIGS. 17 (a) through 17 (d) is a photograph of SEM showing, in anenlarged scale, the second surface state according to the secondembodiment, in which the surface state and the dispersing state of CNTafter the sample B is dipped for a predetermined period of time in adispersing solvent of CNT obtained by adjusting CNT and a dispersingagent to 1:2, are shown in an enlarged scale.

FIGS. 18 (a) through 18 (d) is a photograph of SEM showing, in anenlarged scale, the third surface state according to the secondembodiment, in which the surface state and the dispersing state of CNTafter the sample C is dipped for a predetermined period of time in adispersing solvent of CNT obtained by adjusting CNT and a dispersingagent to 1:4, are shown in an enlarged scale.

FIGS. 19 (a) through 19 (d) is a photograph of SEM showing, in anenlarged scale, the fourth surface state according to the secondembodiment, in which the surface states of a central part of the sampleA and a distal end part of the sample D, and the dispersing state of CNTare shown in an enlarged scale.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, a state, inwhich a plurality of layers of the carbon film are disposed at thesurface of the primary film according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, the importantpart of FIG. 20, in which the irregularities of the surface of theprimary film function like a chopstick stand and the carbon film bitesinto the irregularities.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, a bendingstate of the work of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23(a) through 23(c) is a sectional view showing an important partof a production process of the third embodiment of the presentinvention, FIG. 23(a) showing a state in which a work with a primaryfilm formed thereon is dipped into a bath receiving a dispersing solventof CNT, FIG. 23(b) showing a state in which the work is pulled up fromthe bath, and FIG. 23(c) showing a state in which the work is dried.

FIGS. 24(a) through 24(c) is a sectional view showing an important partof a production process of the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention, FIG. 24(a) showing a state in which an aluminum work with ananodic oxide film formed thereon is dipped into a bath receiving adispersing solvent of CNT, FIG. 24(b) showing a state in which the workis pulled up from the bath, and FIG. 24(c) showing a state in which thework is dried.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing, in an enlarged scale, an importantpart of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which acarbon film is disposed at a surface and a hole of the anodic oxide filmsuch that the surface and the hole are coated, the inner surface of thehole part is coated and the hole part is sealed by the anodic oxidefilm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A basic form of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawings, in which a primary film is formed on asurface of a work or component to be treated made of stainless steel,and then a secondary film is formed on the primary film, by anelectrochemical equipment. In FIGS. 1 through 9, reference numeral 1denotes a bath, which receives a treatment liquid 2 or electrolytetherein.

The treatment liquid 2 has the same structure as a black chrome bath,and the composition thereof includes 300 to 400 g/l of chromic anhydrideCrO₃, 5 to 10 g/l of sodium silicofluoride NaSiF₆, and 2 to 5 g/l ofbarium acetate C₄H₆O₄Ba. The bath temperature of the treatment liquid 2is adjusted to 10° C. or below by using a cooling apparatus, as laterdescribed, to promote deposition of the suboxide of chromium suboxideCrO₃, as a primary film on the surface of the work 3 and to inhibitdeposition of metal chromium Cr.

In this case, in order to deposit a predetermined suboxide, the bathtemperature should preferably be adjusted to 0° C. or below so that thetreatment liquid 2 is not frozen. In the basic form, the temperature isadjusted from −5 to 10° C. The work 3 which is a cathode piece, a metalchromium or an anode piece 4 which is a soluble electrode, and a carbonor lead which is an insoluble electrode are soaked and placed in thetreatment liquid 2. Wirings 5, 6 for applying a positive and negativevoltage are connected to the above components. A voltage is applied froma power unit 8 via a controller unit 7 having a function ofrectification. These units adjust the current density of the work 3 andthe anode piece 4 to 20 A/dm².

In the basic form, a stainless steel plate (SUS304) having a thicknessof 0.5 mm is used as the work 3, but the work may not be limited to ametal piece and it may be any one of nickel, iron, copper, aluminum,brass, other metals, alloy, synthetic resin, glass, ceramics, paper,fiber, or wood on which an oxide or a suboxide may be deposited.

A cooling bath 9 for receiving a predetermined amount of the treatmentliquid 2 is placed in the peripheral position of the bath 1, and arefrigerant pipe 11 of the cooling apparatus 10 is provided in thecooling bath 9 in a zigzag or coil-like pattern.

In the drawings, reference numeral 12 denotes a compressor forcirculating a refrigerant provided in a cooling circuit of the coolingapparatus 10, reference numeral 13 denotes a cooling cylinder forstoring the cooling bath 9, and reference numeral 14 denotes a filterinserted in a drain passage at the lower end of the cooling bath 9.

A treatment-liquid introduction pipe 15 is provided at the upperposition of the cooling bath 9 and a treatment-liquid discharge pipe 16is provided at the lower part of the cooling bath 9. One end of thetreatment-liquid introduction pipe 15 is provided, in a submergedmanner, into the treatment liquid 2 in the bath 1, and a liquid feedpump 17 for sucking the treatment liquid 2 is inserted in thetreatment-liquid introduction pipe 15. Further, one end of thetreatment-liquid discharge pipe 16 is connected to the filter 14 and theother end thereof is connected to the lower part of the bath 1 via acheck valve 18.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which an oxide composed of a low temperatureblack chrome (hereinafter referred to as “CBC”), which is the primaryfilm, is deposited on the work 3 and then a coating is formed byspraying a synthetic resin paint, which is the secondary film, on theprimary film. Reference numeral 19 denotes a small coating gun used forspraying. The coating gun 19 includes a cylindrical paint tank 20provided to stand obliquely at the side of the nozzle of the coating gun19 and a compressed air conduit 21 connected to the lower part of thecoating gun 19.

Then, a paint in the paint tank 20 is readily sprayable onto the primaryfilm 23 deposited on the work 3 via operation of a trigger 22. In thebasic form, chromium suboxide CrO₃ is deposited on the work 3 as thesuboxide which is the primary film 23.

Other methods for forming the coating which is the secondary filminclude: a method for applying with the use of a brush or roller; abaking finish technique in which a paint is heated and hardened; a dipcoating technique in which the work 3 with the primary film is dipped inthe paint; an electrodeposition coating technique in which the work 3 ina water paint is coated by applying static electricity of oppositepolarity; and an electrostatic coating technique in which a coating iselectrically adsorbed on the work 3 by charging the work 3 and aspray-form paint with opposite polarity. Out of those processes ortechniques, the best one may be selected in accordance with the workingconditions.

Next, the suboxide which is the primary film 23, or chromium oxide Cr₂O₃which is the oxide of the suboxide is firstly deposited on the work 3.Then the coating which is the secondary film 24 is formed on the primaryfilm 23.

When the suboxide which is the primary film 23, or chromium oxide Cr₂O₃which is the oxide of the suboxide is deposited on the work 3, and thena coating which is the secondary film 24 is formed on the primary film23.

Firstly, when a suboxide which is the primary film 23 and a chromiumoxide Cr₂O₃, which is the oxide or the suboxide, are to be deposited onthe work 3, the bath 1 for receiving the treatment liquid 2, the work 3which is a cathode piece, and the anode piece 4 is prepared and then apredetermined voltage is applied to the work 3 and the anode piece 4.The power unit 8 which is capable of exerting a predetermined currentdensity thereto and the controller unit 7 for controlling the power unit8 are mounted on the above components. Further, the cooling bath 9 isplaced in a position adjacent to the bath 1.

The cooling bath 9 is equipped with the cooling apparatus 10 and therefrigerant pipe 11 is provided in the cooling bath 9. The treatmentliquid introduction pipe 15 is provided at the upper position of thecooling bath 9 and the treatment liquid discharge pipe 16 is provided ata lower part of the cooling bath 9. The liquid feed pump 17 is insertedin the treatment liquid introduction pipe 15. One end of the treatmentliquid introduction pipe 15 is provided in the treatment liquid 2 in thebath 1, and one end of the treatment liquid discharge pipe 16 isconnected to the lower part of the bath 1 via the check valve 18.

The treatment liquid 2 is then prepared. The treatment liquid 2 has thecomposition of 300 to 400 g/l of chromic anhydride CrO₃, 5 to 10 g/l ofsodium silicofluoride NaSiF₆ which is a reduction inhibitor, and 2 to 5g/l of barium acetate C₄H₆O₄Ba, and the treatment liquid 2 is receivedin the bath 1.

In this case, sodium silicofluoride and barium acetate in the treatmentliquid 2 inhibit a flow of electricity, inhibiting deposition of metalchromium Cr on the surface of the work 3 and promoting deposition ofchromium suboxide CrO₃ which is the suboxide.

The work 3 and the anode piece 4 are received in the bath 1, the wirings5, 6 thereof are connected to the controller unit 7 and the power unit8. The power unit 8 is turned on to apply a predetermined voltage, andthe current density of the work 3 and the anode piece 4 is adjusted viathe controller unit 7. In this basic form, the current density of thework 3 and the anode piece 4 is adjusted to 20 A/dm².

Then, the liquid feed pump 17 is started to suck the treatment liquid 2in the bath 1 and the treatment liquid 2 sucked is sent to the coolingbath 9. Further, the cooling apparatus 10 is started to drive thecompressor 12 and circulate the refrigerant to the refrigerant pipe 11.The treatment liquid 2 in the cooling bath 9 is then cooled and sent tothe lower part of the bath 1 from the treatment liquid discharge pipe16.

In this way, the treatment liquid 2 in the bath 1 is cooled and, in thebasic form, the bath temperature is adjusted to 10° C. or below. In thiscase, in order to deposit a predetermined suboxide, the bath temperatureshould preferably be adjusted to 0° C. or below so that the treatmentliquid 2 is not frozen. In the basic form, the temperature is adjustedfrom −5 to 10° C.

In this way, when voltage is applied to the work 3 and the anode piece4, hydrogen gas is generated on the side of the work 3 and moved up inthe treatment liquid 2 and then released into the atmosphere, whileoxygen gas is generated on the side of the anode piece 4 and moved up inthe treatment liquid 2 and then released into the atmosphere.

Chromic anhydride, which is the main component of treatment liquid 2, isionized at the anode piece 4, and the chromate ions are separated fromthe anode piece 4. The separated chromate ions are moved and dispersedin the treatment liquid 2 and moved toward the interface of the work 3.Then, the chromate ions are reduced to trivalent chromium. The trivalentchromium is deposited on the interface of the work 3.

At that time, trivalent chromium is deposited on the interface of thework 3 based on the metal Cr. The deposited metal Cr is coupled withchromium suboxide CrO₃ which is the suboxide 23, and then the metal Crand chromium suboxide are adhered thereon in sequence to form a suboxidefilm. When the thickness of the film reaches 1 to 2 μm, conductivity ofthe suboxide film is lost and formation of the suboxide is stoppedthereafter

The chromium suboxide film has semi-gross black color and a thin filmwith a thickness of 1 to 2 μm. Thereafter, the chromium suboxide film iscombined with oxygen in the atmosphere and changed into an oxide ofCr₂O₃, thus making the more rigid primary film.

When depositing the suboxide film, the bath temperature is adjusted tosuch a low temperature as 10° C. or below. In the basic form, thetemperature is adjusted to such a range as from −5 to 10° C. The currentis inhibited by sodium silicofluoride and barium acetate in thetreatment liquid 2. Further, since the current density of the work 3 andthe anode piece 4 is set to 20 A/dm², deposition of metal chromium Cr onthe work 3 can be inhibited.

Thus, the primary film 23 composed of the suboxide is presumed to besofter than the metal Cr and have a lower conductivity.

The inventor of the present invention checked the components of thedeposited suboxide film by quantitative analysis using an Electron ProbeMicro Analyzer (EPMA 1720) of SHIMAZU CORPORATION. The following datawas obtained: C: 24.91%; O: 18.82%; Si: 35.75%; Cr: 11.16%; and Ni:9.36%. This data shows that deposition of Cr is inhibited.

Next, the present inventor checked the surface state of the primary film23 using a super resolution field emission type scanning electronmicroscope (SU-10) of Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation. The sameresults were obtained as those shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) through 8and 11 of JP-A-2017-1312.

Among them, FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are photograph images of the surfacestates after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 20 minutes from the initiationof deposition of the suboxide which is the primary film 23 at the bathtemperature of −5° C. and the current density of 20 A/dm², withmagnification of 10K, 20K, 50K, and 100K (K:×1000). Plural masses orgranular structures appear on each state, and these structures grow astime passes from the deposition and clearances thereof also increase. Itwas observed that irregularities were distributed and clearly formed.

FIG. 4 is photograph images of the surface states after 5 minutes, 10minutes, and 20 minutes from the initiation of deposition of thesuboxide which is the primary film 23 at the bath temperature of 15° C.and the current density of 20 A/dm², with magnification of 10K, 20K,50K, and 100K. Plural grains or scale-like structures appear on eachstate, and these structures increase and grow as time passes from thedeposition and clearances thereof also increase. Thus, distribution ofirregularities was observed.

FIG. 5 is a photograph image of the surface state after 20 minutes fromthe initiation of deposition of the primary film 23 at the bathtemperature of −5° C., with a magnification of 100K. The size of themasses or granular structures are shown with a reference scale forcomparison. The masses or granular structures with the size of 25 to 200nm were observed.

FIG. 6 is a photograph image of the surface state after 20 minutes fromthe initiation of deposition of the suboxide at the bath temperature of15° C., with magnification of 100K. The size of the structures of grainsor folds is shown with a reference scale for comparison. The structuresof grains or folds with the width of 25 to 50 nm and the length of 400to 650 nm were observed.

Additionally, FIG. 7 includes photograph images of the surface state ofFIG. 5, taken by a scanning microscope, with a magnification of 10 to50K. It was observed that the suboxide film had a fine-porous structure,the surface was formed like a cake with minute irregularities or sponge,and the surface had many irregularities with the size of 50 to 200 nm.

FIG. 8 shows a photograph image of a cross section of the suboxide orthe primary film 23 in FIG. 3 of the publication. It was observed thatminute irregularities were formed on the surface of the primary film 23covering the surface of the work 3.

As seen from the above, the surface of the work 3 may be representedschematically as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), 3 (b), whichis further enlarged images of FIG. 2, since various irregularities andserrations formed on the surface of the work 3 are engaged with theirregularities of the porous primary film 23, the primary film 23 seemsto be adhered and deposited on the work 3 intimately.

This state is shown, in a further enlarged scale, in FIG. 11 of thepublication. The primary film 23 is arranged in a stripe pattern withpredetermined intervals and engaged with the surface layer of the work 3so that the primary film 23 is adhered to the work 3 firmly.

In other words, an impregnation layer made of the primary film 23 isformed on the surface of the work 3 so that the work 3 is integral withthe primary film 23. Accordingly, the primary film 23 is adhered to thesurface layer of the work 3 rigidly and intimately, thus preventing theprimary film 23 from peeling and cracking. Further, the secondary film24 is formed on the porous structure of the primary film 23 firmly andrigidly so that peeling of the secondary film 24 is prevented.

Next, in the case of forming a coating, which is the secondary film 24,on the work 3, inorganic or organic paint coating is applied or adsorbedonto the suboxide or oxide deposited on the work 3.

In the basic form, a spraying method of coating with the coating gun 19is adopted as an applying or adsorbing method of the coating, but othertechniques may also be adopted.

In this case, since oxygen has the capability to penetrate the coating,the coating may be formed immediately after formation of the primaryfilm 23 or formed later on. Ultimately, as long as it only has to form acoating on the rigid oxide, the timing of the coating formation hasnothing to do with the quality.

Thus, the surface of the suboxide or oxide of the primary film 23deposited on the work 3 before forming the coating is cleaned and dried.The work 3 is suspended on, for example, an appropriate jig 25.

Then a desired paint is filled in the paint tank 20 of the coating gun19. By holding the coating gun 19 with the compressed-air duct 21connected to a lower part thereof, the paint is sprayed via an operationof the trigger 22, aiming the nozzle toward the work 3. This state isshown in FIG. 4.

In this way, the paint applied to the work 3 in the manner as describedabove is adhered to the surface of the primary film 23 of the suboxideor oxide, and then dried by heating and hardening. In this case, theforming state of the coating, which is the secondary film 24, is shownin FIGS. 5 and 6.

More specifically, when forming the coating of the secondary film 24,the thin primary film 23, which is the suboxide or oxide deposited onthe work 3, is used instead of primers that have been frequently usedfor conventional coating. Every fine particle or crystal of the coatingis disposed on the primary film 23 independently and with high density.

At that time, the coating needs to be formed basically only once, andsuch time and labor consuming operation as under coating, intermediatecoating and top coating, that are required in the conventionaltechnique, is no more required. The film is formed thin, having athickness of 5 μm, which is one-fifth to one-third of the conventionalones. The thin film is engaged with the minute irregularities of theprimary film 23 so as to achieve an intimate adhesion. Thus, the amountof the paint used is reduced and the coating is formed more rapidlycompared with the conventional coating method, and whereby the coatingis formed in a rational manner and at low cost.

In this case, by virtue of the porous structure of the primary film 23,the plural irregularities or holes of the surface function like achopstick holder, and a coating, which is the secondary film 24, isconverged and embedded among the irregularities or holes. Accordingly,the arrangement density of the coating can be adjusted by the holes,polymer chains of the synthetic resin coating can be adjusted, andthereby distributing the secondary film 24 with high density andadhering the secondary film 24 firmly onto the irregularities and holes.

An impregnation layer of the secondary film 24 is formed on the surfacelayer of the primary film 23. Since the secondary film 24 is integralwith the primary film 23, the secondary film 24 is prevented frompeeling. The porous structure of the primary film makes the secondaryfilm 24 to be adhered firmly and rigidly.

As described above, in the basic form, the impregnation of the work 3and the primary film 23, and the impregnation of the primary film 23 andthe secondary film 24 promote integration thereof. Accordingly, sincethey are adhered firmly and rigidly, peeling and cracking thereof can beprevented even when the primary film 23 and secondary film 24 are bent.

Moreover, since the suboxide or oxide has insulation properties, so thata current does not pass through the work 3 via the suboxide or oxideeven when the coating is made thinner. As a result, corrosion due topotential difference does not occur, thereby improving corrosionresistance.

Furthermore, since the primary film 23 is porous and flexible, the fineparticles of the coating easily enter and byte into the work 3, anddisengagement from the work 3 is prevented. The film is reliablyembedded and functions like an anchor component so that the coating isformed firmly and rigidly. Connection with the other coating appliedthereon is also promoted to form the coating in a rational manner.

In addition, since grains and crystals of the coating are respectivelydisposed independently and with high density, even when a stress isapplied to a part of the grains and crystals, the rest of the grains andcrystals is not affected. Thus, when the work 3 is bent as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 after formation of the coating, the stress is dispersed.Further, peeling or cracking of the coating does not occur even when thesurface of the coating is damaged.

Thus, the work 3 with the coating already formed thereon has a goodworkability, and is preferably subjected to various processingtechniques. The surface of the coating was cut in a lattice pattern, andpeeling of a cross-cut piece was tested. No peeling was observed and thecoating with high adhesion was observed.

On the other hand, FIG. 9 shows the outline of a state of the formationof a conventional coating 24. The grains and crystals of the coating 27are disposed loosely and with low density. To prevent corrosion causedby potential difference, such as pinholes, a very thick coating having athickness of, for example, 50 to 100 μm, is required. Such coating isformed by applying the primer 26 to the work 3 and then applying thecoating 24 in layers.

Accordingly, the above coating process requires much time and labor, andthe amount of paint used is also increased, whereby the working cost isincreased. As described above, the grains and crystals of the coating 24are not independent and loosely disposed at low density, so that when astress is applied to a part of the grains and crystals, it is alsoprevailed to the rest of the grains and crystals. When the work 3 isbent or the surface of the coating is damaged after formation of thecoating, the coating 27 is peeled off and cracked, thus resulting inpoor workability.

In the above-mentioned basic form, an electroplating technique based onthe electrochemical action is adopted as a deposition method of theprimary film 23 on the work 3. Other deposition techniques that can beapplied include an electroless plating. If additives such as nickelsulfate which is an agent for supplying metal ions, sodium hypophosphitewhich is a reducing agent, and powder ceramics are added in thecomposition of the treatment liquid 2 in the electroless bath,deposition of the suboxide or oxide, or ceramics can be promoted byusing simple equipment compared with the equipment for electrochemicalaction.

In the above-mentioned basic form, the secondary film 24 is used as acoating, but a functional material, ceramics, Teflon (registeredtrademark), or fluorine may be used instead of the coating.

Among them, as the functional materials, there may be used, for example,a polymer material, difluoride material, tetrafluoride material,fluorine compound, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, manganese dioxide,alumina, bentonite, hydroxyapatite, zeolite, talc, collimate, poroussilica, gold, platinum, palladium, boron nitride, titanium nitride,aluminum nitride, DLC, magnetic material, metallic material, and carbonmaterial. They may be used on the surface and the interface of theprimary film 23 or intervened inside the primary film 23 so thatcorrosion resistance, adsorptive properties, abrasion resistance,catalytic properties, thermal conductivity, low friction properties, andantibiotic properties of the primary and secondary films 23, 24 areimproved in functionality.

In view of the above, the present inventor came up with an idea as thefirst embodiment, in which a ceramics film (hereinafter referred to as“CB film”), which is the secondary film 24, is impregnated or coatedwith CNT.

Specifically, since the CB film realizes a highly integrated structurelike paint, the single layer SWNT type CNT, which is similar to thepaint's polymeric material, is also expected to exhibit thepreviously-mentioned anchor structure. So, it is attempted to form theCNT film on the CB film, so that other functional materials and paintsare integrated, thereby enabling to provide a novel surface treatmentmethod for a CNT contained film which was conventionally neverobtainable.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are a conceptual diagram showing the novel surfacetreatment method for a film containing CNT according to the firstembodiment of the present invention. The first film 23 is formed in theirregular part of the surface of the work 3, CNT 27 are arranged withhigh density on the surface of the primary film 23, and a paint of apolymeric material, which is a functional material, is coated on theprimary film 23.

The paint of the secondary film 24 contains 5% of the CNT 27 whichcomprises a multilayer CNT (MWNT) and has a diameter of 10 to 15 φnm anda length of about 10 μm. This CNT 27 is disposed at the irregular partor porous part among the crystals 28 on the surface of the primary film23. This state shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a composite film of the primary film 23and CNT 27. Approximately 1 to 1.5 μm of the primary film 23 is formedon the surface of the work 3, and approximately 1 μm of the CNT 27 isformed on the surface of the primary film 23.

FIG. 14 is a composition chart showing, in a plan view, the distributingstate of the CNT 27, wherein the CNT 27 is complicatedly arranged in amesh pattern, a part of which is shown in an enlarged scale.

In this way, the primary film 23 is firmly engaged with the irregularpart of the surface of the work 3, the CNT 27 is arranged on the surfaceof the primary film 23 with high density, the paint of the polymericmaterial, which is the secondary film 24 containing the CNT 27, iscoated on the primary film 23 (FIGS. 10 and 12), and the CNT 27 isengaged with the irregular part or porous part among the crystals 28 ofthe surface of the primary film 23 such that the primary film 23 and thecomposite film of the CNT 27 are integrally formed (FIGS. 12 to 14).

Accordingly, there is almost no affinity between the primary film 23 andCNT 27. It was observed that the primary film 23 and the paint of thepolymeric material, which is the second film 24, realize the highlyintegrated structure similar to the one already mentioned above.

In a second thought, the present inventor came up with the idea as thesecond embodiment, in which a carbon material, instead of the paint, isselected as the functional material and CNT, for example, is used asthis carbon material, and secondary film 24 is applied to the carbonfilm.

In that case, first, it is necessary to select CNT having goodcompatibility with the primary film 23. Therefore, a single layer CNT(SWNT) or multi-layer CNT (MWNT), or dual layer (DWNT) were selected. Inaddition, the CNT, fullerene or graphene was selected as a structure ofnanocarbon.

In this second embodiment, the multilayer CNT (MWNT) was selected. Theselected CNT had the shape dimensions of 10 to 15 φnm in diameter, about10 μm in length, and 95% or higher in purity. As a dispersing agent(NMP) for this CNT, dichlorobenzene which is a solvent having a lowvaporization point and easy to dry is used, so that the bundle of CNTsis efficiently dispersed.

At that time, content ratio (dilution ratio or adjustment ratio) betweenCNT and dispersing agent (NMP) is selected to 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4. Out ofthem, the best dilution ratio is selected, so that CNT is efficientlydispersed.

In addition to the dispersing agent, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, ethylalcohol can be used.

Thus, the present inventor tested the acceptability of the affinitybetween the primary film 23 and CNT depending on the dilution ratio. Forthat purpose, the CNT 27 and dispersing agent (NMP) were adjusted to1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 in order to prepare various dispersing agents of theCNT 27. Then, a sample piece 29 obtained by forming the primary film 23on both surfaces of the work 3 in the manner as mentioned above wasdipped therein for 10 seconds. After pulling up, the central part andthe distal end part of the sample piece 29 were cut into a rectangularshape of about 5 mm (FIG. 15), and the resultant was fixed onto an SEM(scanning electron microscope) sample stand (not shown). Then, thedispersing state and surface composition of CNT by way of location wereobserved.

At that time, the dispersing state and the surface composition of theCNT was observed under the condition of acceleration voltage 30 kv usingSEM (JEOL Ltd., JSM-6510) after an osmium membrane of about 15 A wascoated using the osmium coater (Neoc—STB manufactured by Meiwa Forsyth)in order to prevent charging.

Among them, FIGS. 16(a) through 16(d) show the SEM observation image ofthe surface of the sample A obtained by adjusting the CNT 27 anddispersing agent (NMP) to 1:1 to prepare a dispersing solvent of the CNT27, then, dipping the sample piece 29 in the dispersing solvent for 10seconds and pulling it up, and then, cutting the central part of thesample piece 29 into a rectangular shape. In FIG. 16(a) shows an SEMobservation image magnified 35,000 times; FIG. 16(b), magnified 15,000times; FIG. 16(c), magnified 7,000 times; and FIG. 16(d), magnified3,000 times, respectively.

The scale bars of each observation image are all 1 μm, respectively.Among the respective observation images, the white color part shows theCNT 27. It was visually observed that the CNT 27 is uniformly dispersedon the primary film 23.

FIGS. 17(a) through 17(d) show the SEM observation image of the surfaceof the sample B obtained by adjusting the CNT 27 and dispersing agent(NMP) to 1:2 to prepare a dispersing solvent of the CNT 27, then,dipping the sample piece 29 in the dispersing solvent for 10 seconds andpulling it up, and then, cutting the central part of the sample piece 29into a rectangular shape. FIG. 17(a) shows an SEM observation imagemagnified 35,000 times; FIG. 17(b), magnified 15,000 times; FIG. 17(c),magnified 7,000 times; and FIG. 17(d), magnified 7,000 times,respectively.

The scale bars of each observation image are all 1 μm, respectively.Among the respective observation images, the white color part shows theCNT 27. This CNT 27 is uniformly dispersed on the primary film 23. InFIG. 17, the CNT 27 is more favorably dispersed on the CNT 27 andintegrated with high density, when compared with the case of FIG. 16, bythe amount of the dispersing agent (NMP) increased.

FIGS. 18(a) through 18(d) show the SEM observation image of the surfaceof the sample C obtained by adjusting the CNT 27 and dispersing agent(NMP) to 1:2 to prepare a dispersing solvent of the CNT 27, then,dipping the sample piece 29 in the dispersing solvent for 10 seconds andpulling it up, and then, cutting the central part of the sample piece 29into a rectangular shape. FIG. 18(a) shows an SEM observation imagemagnified 35,000 times; FIG. 18(b), magnified 15,000 times; FIG. 18(c),magnified 7,000 times; and FIG. 18(d), magnified 3,000 times,respectively.

The scale bars of each observation image are all 1 μm, respectively.Among the respective observation images, the white color part shows theCNT 27. This CNT 27 is uniformly dispersed on the primary film 23. InFIG. 18, it is presumable that the CNT 27 is more favorably dispersed onthe dispersing agent and integrated with high density, when comparedwith the cases of FIGS. 16(a) through 16(d) and 17(a) through 17(d), bythe amount of the dispersing agent (NMP) increased. From those results,it was confirmed that the CNT 27 is favorably dispersed on thedispersing agent and integrated with more high density.

FIGS. 19(a) through 19(d) show the SEM observation image of the surfaceof the sample A obtained by adjusting the CNT 27 and dispersing agent(NMP) to 1:1 to prepare a dispersing solvent of the CNT 27, then,dipping the sample piece 29 in the dispersing solvent for 10 seconds andpulling it up, and then, cutting the central part of the sample piece 29into a rectangular shape. FIG. 19(a) shows the SEM observation imagemagnified 35,000 times; and FIG. 19(b), magnified 3,000 times,respectively.

Also, the SEM observation image of the sample D is obtained by cutting adistal end part of the sample piece 29 into a rectangular shape. In FIG.19, (a) shows the SEM observation image magnified 35,000 times, and (b);magnified 3,000 times, respectively.

The scale bars of each observation image are all 1 μm, respectively.Among the respective observation images, the white color part shows theCNT 27. This CNT 27 is uniformly dispersed on the primary film 23.

The SEM observation image of the central part is almost same as that ofFIGS. 16(a) through 16(d). Likewise, the SEM observation images at thecutting positions of the central part and distal end part were almostsame, respectively. No difference was observed depending on the cuttingposition.

The actual CNT 27 dispersing operation was performed in the followingmanner. After a predetermined amount of the CNT 27 was mixed with thedispersing agent (NMP), the mixture was exerted an ultrasonic vibrationof approximately 40 to 60 kHz for about an hour by, for example, aultravibrator (not shown) to promote the dispersion of the CNT 27.

Then, the dispersing solvent containing the CNT 27 is received in apaint tank 20, as shown in FIG. 4, of a paint spraying gun in a paintingbooth (not shown).

The painting booth is designed such that charging and dischargingoperation of the gas inside the painting booth can be performed withaccuracy, leakage of the spraying gas containing the CNT 27 can beprevented, and workers, when working, can be prevented from intaking thespraying gas so that health damage can be prohibited.

Under the foregoing circumstance, the work 3 with the primary film 23deposited thereon is delivered to the painting booth and then suspendedvia a jig 25. Then, the dispersing solvent containing the CNT 27 issprayed to the primary film 23.

In doing so, the dispersing solvent containing the CNT 27 is adheredonto the primary film 23 such that it finely bites into the irregularpart of the primary film 23 and firmly adheres thereto. Thereafter, ahot air is applied to the dispersing solvent containing the CNT 27 orthe dispersing agent is naturally dried, so that the carbon film 30 isformed via the dispersing solvent.

As learned from the foregoing, the carbon film 30 can be formed by thespraying operation using the spraying gun 19 easily and inexpensively.The surface of the carbon film 30 is caused to exhibit light black colorby the CNT 27 and formed into an irregular pattern along the irregularpart of the primary film 23. Consequently, the work 3 has an outstandingelectrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heat resistance, highstrength and flexibility owing to the characteristics of carbon.

On the other hand, it is also an interesting alternative that after thedispersing solvent containing the CNT 27 is dried, the dispersingsolvent containing the CNT 27 is sprayed onto the surface of the carbonfilm 30, and the resultant is dried to form a carbon film 30 a newly.Then, the dispersing solvent containing the CNT 27 is sprayed onto thesurface of the carbon film 30, and the resultant is dried to form acarbon film 30 b newly.

In that case, the surface of the carbon film 30 a, 30 b are formed in anirregular pattern as described hereinbefore, the dispersing solventcontaining the CTN 27 finely bites into the irregular part of theprimary film 23 and firmly adheres thereto, so that a plurality ofcarbon films 30, 30 a, 30 b are formed into layers to peeling thereof.This state is as shown in FIG. 20, wherein the work 3 has an outstandingelectrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heat resistance, highstrength and flexibility owing to the characteristics of the carbonobtained by the plurality of carbon films 30, 30 a, 30 b.

Also, by virtue of the porous structure of the primary film 23, theplural irregularities or holes of the surface function like a chopstickholder, and the carbon film 30, which is the secondary film, isconverged and embedded among the irregular part 23 a or holes as shownin FIG. 21. Accordingly, the embedding density of the carbon film 30, 30a, 30 b becomes controllable by the holes. Thus, the carbon film 30, 30a, 30 b is distributed to the irregular part or hole part with highdensity and firmly adhered thereto.

Since the carbon film 30 eventually forms an impregnation layer on thesurface layer part of the primary film 23 and is integrated with theprimary film 23, the carbon layer 30, 30 a, 30 b is prevented frompeeling, and the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b having a multilayerstructure is firmly and rigidly adhered thereto. Moreover, since theplural carbon films 30, 30 a, 30 b byte into the protecting parts 23 aor thereamong, and integrated, they are firmly and intimately adheredthereto to prevent from peeling.

In this way, according to the second embodiment, since the surface ofthe work 3 is impregnated with the primary film 23 and the primary film23 is impregnated with the carbon film 30 to promote integration thereofso that those components are intimately adhered to one another, peelingand cracking thereof can be prevented even when the primary film 23 andcarbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b are bent.

Moreover, since the surface of the work 3 is coated with the primaryfilm 23 and the primary film 23 is finely and rigidly coated with thecarbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b, it exhibits an outstanding electricalconductivity and thermal conductivity, heat resistance, high strengthand flexibility owing to the characteristics of the carbon.

Furthermore, since the primary film 23 is porous and flexible, the fineparticles of the carbon film 30 easily enter and byte therein, anddisengagement therefrom is prevented. The carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b isreliably embedded and functions like an anchor component.

Accordingly, the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b is firmly and rigidlyformed, and other components such as the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b, aswell as a coating and functional materials, which are adopted inaccordance with necessity, are promoted to connect thereto.

In addition, as described previously, since the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30b is disposed to the irregular part among the crystals of the primaryfilm 23 independently and with high density, even if a stress is appliedto a part of the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b or crystals, the rest of thecarbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b or crystals are not affected. As shown inFIG. 22, even if the work 3 is bent after the plural carbon films 30, 30a, 30 b are formed, the stress is dispersed. Likewise, even if thecarbon films 30, 30 a, 30 b are damaged, peeling and/or cracking are notoccurred.

Thus, the work 3 with the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b already formedthereon has a good workability, and is preferably subjected to variousprocessing techniques. The surface of the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b wascut in a lattice pattern, and peeling of a cross-cut piece was tested.No peeling was observed, and the high density and integrity of thecarbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b were observed.

Taking advantage of such outstanding characteristics as mentioned above,therefore, painting of an aircraft, surface treatment and weightreduction of the aircraft can be achieved. Moreover, there can beobtained such effects as high functionality, high quality and defoggingof the galley and lavatory in an aircraft. In addition, strength of aheat exchanger for an aircraft, heat conductivity, heat dissipation anddurability can be improved.

Furthermore, in the field of automobiles and industrial equipment, therecan be obtained a paint which is improved in heat resistance of a brakecaliper, prohibition of chipping caused by a cutter of an exhaustmuffler, and improvement in heat dispersion of a rotary blade of avacuum pump. In the medical field, this technology can be applied to ahigh-performance knife for medical use and a high-performance part. Inthe field of shipping industry, improvement of fuel efficiency can beachieved by the reduction of attached substances caused by painting ofthe hull.

Then, the inventor came up with a method for dipping, instead ofspraying or applying the dispersing solvent containing the CNT 27, inorder to achieve the coating of the carbon film 30, as the thirdembodiment.

According to this method, as shown in FIGS. 23(a) through 23(c), thedispersing solvent 32, which is prepared by mixing predetermined amountsof the CNT 27 and dispersing agent (NMP) at a predetermined ratio, isreceived in the bath 31, dipping the work 3 with the primary film 23formed on the surface thereof in the dispersing solvent 32, while movingthe work 3 up and down via the jig 25 in the manner as described above,so that the dispersing solvent 32 is adhered or absorbed to the surfaceof the primary film 23. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the work3 is pulled up from the bath 31 and a hot air having a temperature ofapproximately 80 to 95° C. is applied to the surface of the work 3 fordrying. Thereafter, the dipping and drying are repeatedly performed tocoat plural layers of the carbon film 30, 30 a, 30 b containing the CNT27 on the surface of the primary film 23.

According to the third embodiment as described above, since the carbonfilm 30 is coated on the surface of the porous primary film 23, thecarbon film 30 can be formed rigidly and densely compared with theconventional art in which a carbon film is coated on a smooth surface ofa work. Thus, it is possible to equally obtain an outstanding electricalconductivity and thermal conductivity, heat resistance, high strengthand flexibility owing to the characteristics of carbon,

Moreover, the present inventor paid his attention to a myriad (hundredsof millions to tens of millions) of fine pores 36 (100 to 300 Å indiameter) formed on an oxide film 35 comprising an extremely hard porousbulk layer 33 containing moisture, and a dense and active amorphousalumina barrier layer 34, which arrangement is, as the fourth embodiment(see FIGS. 24(a) through 24(c) and 25), based on the known anodicoxidation method, in which the work 3 made from aluminum and its alloyis connected to the anode, the cathode material such as a lead plate isconnected to the cathode, and those components are dipped in theelectrolytic solution such as sulfuric acid, oxalic acid or the like anda voltage is applied thereto so that a porous is formed on the surfaceof the work 3.

Then, after the conventional coloring method or pore sealing treatmentusing the pores 36, instead of the coloring method or pore sealingtreatment, the work 3 with the anodic oxide film 35 formed thereon isdipped in the dispersing solvent 32 received in the bath 31, thedispersing solvent 32 is adhered or absorbed to the inside and surfacesof the fine pores 36 and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the work3 is pulled up from the bath 31 and dried. In this case, since thecarbon film 30 is black, the work 3 can be colored to black by insertingthe carbon film 30 into the pores 36 and adhering it to the surface ofeach pore 36.

Accordingly, it has such an advantage that the pore sealing treatmentand the coloring treatment can be realized conveniently and with the useof a simple inexpensive facility, and without a need of a large scaledexpensive facility as required conventionally.

Thereafter, the dipping and drying are repeatedly performed to coatplural layers of the carbon film 30 containing the CNT 27 to the insideand surfaces of the fine pores 36. Thus, it is possible to provide themwith the outstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity,heat resistance, high strength and flexibility owing to thecharacteristics of carbon,

The oxide film 35 thus obtained exhibits black color. Further, insteadof the conventional coloring or together with the conventional coloring,it can exhibit an appearance with a novel color. Moreover, owing to thecarbon film 30 formed on the inside and surface of each pore 36, it isalso possible to obtain the same effect as the conventional pore sealingeffect, and to obtain corrosion resistance.

Moreover, since the inside and surface of each pore 36 are caused toexhibit, by the carbon film 30 containing the coated CNT 27, theoutstanding electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, heatresistance, high strength and flexibility owing to the characteristicsof carbon, this version of the present invention has more excellentmechanical and electrical characteristics than the conventional anodicoxidation method, it can be expected that this version of the presentinvention can be utilized in various technical fields.

The electric plating terms and related treatment terms used in the basicform and in the respective embodiments are based on JIS H0400. Thetesting method for the thickness of plating is based on JIS H8501, thetesting method for adhesion of plating, based on JISH8504, the testingmethod for the thickness of anodic oxide film of aluminum and itsalloy—First Part:: microscopic cross section measurement method, basedon JIS H8680-1, paint terms, based on JIS K5500, paint general testmethod—Fifth Part; mechanical properties of coating film—Chapter 1:flexibility resistance (cylindrical mandrel method), based on JISK5600-5-1, paint general test method—Fifth Part: mechanical propertiesof coating film—Chapter 6: adhesion (cross cut method), based on JISK5600-5-5, cellophane adhesive tape, based on JIS Z1522, classificationby light source color and color rendering property of fluorescent lamp,based on JIS Z9112, respectively.

It should be noted here that the raw material (work) refers to iron,steel or non-ferrous metal before they are subjected to coatingtreatment. The oxide ceramics film and the composite film refer to suchfilms that after the raw material (work) is plated, a coating treatmentis applied thereto by high functional material of thin film, so thatcoating performance is added to plating performance in order to greatlyimprove such quality as adhesion, durability, decorativeness and thelike.

In this case, it is possible to reduce the thickness of a coloredcomposite film from 1 μm to 20 μm by controlling the polymer chains andapplying high density secondary coating onto the plating of the primaryfilm having an average film thickness of 0.1 μm to 10 μm.

The present invention is suitable for a carbon film coating structurefor a work, in which a carbon material such as a carbon nanotube isapplied to the work for coating thereof with high density and highintegration so that it has an outstanding electrical conductivity andthermal conductivity, heat resistance, high strength and flexibilityowing to the characteristics of carbon, and in which a carbon such asCNT is applied to the work for coating thereof easily and inexpensively,and with high density and high integration.

1.-9.(canceled)
 10. A carbon film coating method for a work comprising:coating or impregnating a carbon film on a surface layer part of a work,the work being capable of depositing a suboxide or oxide containingmetal ions, coating a porous primary film on the surface layer part ofthe work by electrochemical action or chemical reaction; and coating orimpregnating a carbon film on an irregular part of the surface layerpart of the primary film.
 11. The carbon film coating method accordingto claim 10, wherein the carbon film contains a carbon nanotube withhigh density.
 12. The carbon film coating method according to claim 10,wherein a single or plural layers of carbon film is dipped, coated orabsorbed to the primary film so that the primary film is coated orimpregnated.
 13. The carbon film coating method according to claim 10,wherein a basal part of the carbon film is embedded in the irregularpart of the primary film.
 14. The carbon film coating method accordingto claim 10, wherein a secondary film containing the carbon nanotube isformed on the primary film, and the work, primary film and secondaryfilm are integrated.
 15. The carbon film coating method according toclaim 10, wherein the work includes any one of stainless steel, nickel,iron, copper, aluminum, brass, other metals and alloys, synthetic resin,glass, ceramics, paper, fiber, and wood, which can deposit a suboxide oroxide containing metal ions.
 16. The carbon film coating methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the secondary film includes any one of apolymer material, an inorganic or organic paint coating, a functionalmaterial, or ceramics, which contains the carbon nanotube.
 17. Thecarbon film coating method according to claim 10, wherein a dispersingsolvent of the carbon nanotube is prepared by adjusting the carbonnanotube to a predetermined ratio with respect to a dispersing agent,and the dispersing solvent is coated or blown to the surface layer ofthe primary film or the primary film is dipped in the dispersingsolvent.
 18. The carbon film coating method according to claim 17,wherein the carbon nanotube and dispersing agent are adjusted to 1:1 to1:4.
 19. The carbon film coating method according to claim 15, whereinthe carbon film is coated or impregnated on the surface layer of theanodic oxide film of the work which is made from aluminum, and thecarbon film is arranged by allowing the dispersing solvent of the carbonnanotube to invade into a hole part of the anodic oxide film of the workwhich is made from aluminum.
 20. The carbon film coating methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the carbon film is disposed to the holepart of the anodic oxide film to cover the inner surface thereof, andthe hole part is sealed with the carbon film disposed at the insidethereof.